HARDEN  CHURCH 


LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


„ 

Class 


ifcg, 

j\ 


BEOWULF 


•8 

IT 


EOWULF 

A  POEM  by  SAMUEL 
HARDEN  CHURCH 

Author  of  "OLIVER  CROMWELL:   A  HISTORY" 
"JOHN   MARMADUKE;   A   ROMANCE"   Etc. 


NEW    YORK   .    FREDERICK    A. 
STOKES    COMPANY         Publishers 


Copyright,  1901,  by 
Frederick  A.  Stokes  Company 


GENERAL 


Published  in  October,  igoi 


The  University  Press,  John  Wilson  and  Son 
Cambridge,  U.S.A. 


B 


TO 
MY    DEAR    WIFE 

BERTHA 

My  deeds  are  thine" 


153267 


PREFACE 

TT^^OR  a  long  time  I  had  it  in  mind  to  make 
r^  a  translation  of  the  old  Anglo-Saxon 
J*  Saga,  Beowulf,  in  poetical  form,  and 
pursued  a  preliminary  study  of  the  manuscript, 
charred  from  the  Cottonian  fire,  in  the  British 
Museum.  That  work,  the  oldest  monument  of 
the  Anglo-Saxon  language,  is  a  very  noble  heri 
tage  from  a  great,  though  unknown,  author 
ship,  full  of  rugged  strength ;  and  it  should  be 
read  by  every  student  of  literature*  But  when 
I  began  to  cast  the  materials  over,  I  found  them 
lacking  in  qualities  of  human  interest  that  are 
necessary  to  modern  poetical  narrative* 

The  old  Beowulf  is  a  minstrel's  song  of  hero 
deeds,  in  which  a  period  of  four  generations  is 
covered*  The  tale  opens  with  Sceaf  the  Scyld- 
ing,  who  comes  out  of  the  sea,  is  made  King, 
dies,  and  is  sent  back  into  the  sea  in  the  opening 
lines*  There  is  his  son,  who  is  called  Beowulf, 
and  Beowulf's  son  is  Hrothgar*  While  this 
Hrothgar  is  on  the  throne,  there  comes  another 

9 


PREFACE 

Beowulf,  a  Gothic  warrior,  who  fights  with 
Grendel  and  with  the  Water-Hag,  and  then  goes 
back  to  his  own  country,  where  he  is  made 
King,  and,  after  reigning  for  fifty  years,  is  killed 
in  extreme  old  age  in  a  fight  with  a  Dragon* 
The  old  poem  has  thus  no  unity  of  time  or 
place ;  neither  has  it  any  portraiture  of  woman 
hood;  and  there  is  no  suggestion  of  a  love 
story*  The  action  takes  place  in  Denmark  and 
in  Sweden;  yet  the  claim  has  been  made  that 
the  scenery  described  is  in  England.  It  seems 
clear  that  the  Angles  and  Saxons,  who  were 
neighbors  of  the  Danes  on  the  Continent,  brought 
the  story  over  to  England,  and  that  it  was  made 
to  assume  literary  form  before  the  Danes  forced 
themselves  into  England  as  conquerors* 

Besides,  there  were  already  literal  translations 
of  the  Saga  by  Kemble,  Thorp,  Harrison  and 
Sharp,  Garnett,  Earle,  and  William  Morris; 
making  another  direct  rendering  a  supererogant 
labor* 

While  adhering  to  the  purpose  to  write  a 
poem  on  the  adventures  of  Beowulf,  these  cir 
cumstances  impelled  me  to  abandon  the  intention 

JO 


PREFACE 

of  a  general  agreement  with  the  ancient  version. 
I  have  therefore  composed  an  original  narrative, 
in  which  the  leading  characters  and  some  of  the 
incidents  of  the  early  work  have  been  freely 
used,  but  as  materials  only*  I  have  transferred 
to  my  hero,  Beowulf,  the  picturesque  history  of 
Sceaf;  have  changed  the  relationship  of  char 
acters  and  incidents;  have  invented  the  illu 
mination  of  Beowulf 's  soul  and  his  banishment ; 
and  have  introduced  the  love  motive  between 
Beowulf  and  Freaware  that  runs  through  the 
poem  to  the  end*  Indeed,  the  structure,  lan 
guage,  style,  description,  elaboration,  interpreta 
tion,  and  development  of  the  story  are  new.  I 
have  arbitrarily  laid  the  scene  in  England,  under 
purely  idealized  conditions;  and  have  initiated 
nearly  all  that  the  poem  contains  of  woman 
hood,  of  love,  of  religion  and  state  policy,  and 
of  domestic  life  and  manners*  It  is  clear,  there 
fore,  that  my  work  must  not  be  judged  either 
as  a  translation,  version,  or  paraphrase  of  the 
old  Beowulf* 

Were   the  fabled   monsters   of   olden   times 
wholly  creatures  of  the  imagination?    I  think 

\\ 


PREFACE 

not*  Paleontology  has  already  restored  their 
bones  to  us  —  or  bones  very  like  theirs**  It  re 
quires  no  great  strain  of  fancy  to  think  of  such 
creatures  in  the  swamps,  and  of  the  King  offer 
ing  guerdon  and  his  daughter's  hand  to  him 
who  would  slay  them*  But  perhaps  they  are 
allegorical  of  human  ills*  What  man  is  there 
to-day  who  has  not  met  his  Dragon?  What 
nation  still  lives  that  has  not  overcome  its 
Grendel  ? 

*  In  the  Carnegie  Museum  at  Pittsburg  they  have  the  fossil  remains 
of  a  beast,  the  Terrible  Lizard,  nearly  one  hundred  feet  long;  and  the  British 
Museum  has  just  sent  an  expedition  to  Patagonia  to  find  a  living  Megatherium. 


\2 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 

Page 

Beowulf 

The  Sea  Waif 19 

The  Flaming  Sword    *.*...  29 

Grendel 39 

The  Swamp-Hag 71 

The  Fire-Dragon 91 

A  Warwick  Nightingale JJ J 

Lines  on  Cromwell's  Three  Hundredth 

Birthday JJ5 


13 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 

By   ALBERT    GRANTLEY    REINHART 

The  Coming  of  Beowulf Frontispiece 

44  Taunt  followed  taunt " Facing  page  24 

Beowulf  Banished "  34 

The  Sentinel *  44 

44 1  do  implore  thee" "  50 

Grendel       «  60 

Frea ware^s  Gift "  66 

In  the  Nicker s'  Mere «  74 

The  Last  Foe "  JOO 

Death  of  Beowulf «  104 

Tail-piece ^ 


BOOK  I. 

THE  SEA  WAIF 


THE    SEA  WAIF 


HE    people    came    and 

looked  into  the  mist 
And  pushed  their  feet  into 

the  rushing  tide* 
With  straining  eyes  they 
pierced  the  lifting  fog, 
And  marvelled  much  to 

see  a  little  ship 
Unworked  by  human  hands  leap  toward  the 

shore* 

Her  sail  tugged  hard  upon  the  yielding  ropes ; 
Her  purple  pennant  gaily  lashed  the  mast ; 
And  while  the  lookers  grew  upon  the  beach, 
The  flying  boat  shot  high  upon  the  sands* 

IL 

But  fresh  amazement  filled  their  eager  eyes 
When  in  the  boat  a  sleeping  babe  they  saw* 
No  other  soul  it  held*  but  solitude 
Was  that  lad's  portion  in  the  tiny  ship* 


BEOWULF 


Beside  him  there  was  armor  laid  with  gold, 
A  mighty  sword  with  sparkling  jewelled  hilt, 
A  battle  axe,  and  spear  with  burnished  point, 
A  belt  and  spurs,  as  for  the  bravest  knight* 

in. 

The  babe  slept  sound  upon  an  ermine  robe, 
While  all  about  him  rich  apparel  lay, 
And  rings  and  bracelets  set  with  precious  stones, 
And  gold  enough  to  ransom  home  a  king. 

IV. 

This  babe  was  Beowulf, — the  name  they  found 
Engraven  on  the  jewels  of  his  boat. 
While  still  he  slept  they  brought  him  soft  away 
Unto  King  Hrothgar  there  in  Harot  Hall. 
The  King  and  Queen  received  him  with  delight, 
And  woke  his  slumber  with  their  gentle  love. 
The  boy  looked  deep  into  their  kindly  eyes, 
Then  laughed,  —  for  quick  a   baby  knows  its 

friends  — 
And  they  laughed,  too,  and  ordered  food  soon 

brought* 
Then    while   the    lusty  infant's    wants    were 

served, 

They  listened  how  the  sea  had  cast  him  up 
Unharmed  and  fast  asleep  upon  the  coast. 
20 


THE  SEA  WAIF 


V. 

He  was  so  large  and  strong,  though  recent  born, 
And  wore  so  plain  the  stamp  of  royal  birth, 
The  childless  monarchs  pressed   him  to  their 

hearts, 

As  one  of  equal  blood ;  and  they  declared 
All  ceremony  his  that 's  due  a  Prince* 
The  Queen  appointed  her  most  noble  dames 
To  give  a  mother's  comfort  to  the  waif* 
And  Hrothgar  vowed  that  if  an  heir  came  not 
Through  course  of  nature  to  his  royal  bed, 
Then    Beowulf  should    wear    the  kingdom's 

crown* 

VI* 

The  affluent  freight  that  lay  around  the  boy 
Was  safely  sealed  within  the  royal  vaults 
Until  the  child  should  grow*     And  then  the  boat 
Was  drawn  upon  the  shore  and  housed  away. 

vn* 

Wise  men  who  knew  the  learning  of  the  world 
Now  taught  the  lad  to  count  and  read  and  think ; 
To  speak  no  evil  and  abet  no  wrong* 
Then  others  trained  to  arms  instruction  gave 
In  all  accomplishments  that  fit  a  man, 
With  speart  and  sword,  and  horse,  until  the  youth, 

21 


BEOWULF 


So  nurtured  in  the  wealth  of  Hrothgar's  court, 
Excelled  in  wisdom  and  in  chivalry* 
He  shirked  no  danger  in  the  game  or  hunt* 
He  loved  the  truth,  and  made  the  simple  boast 
That  come  what  would  he  'd  ne'er  let  honor  go* 
They  found  him  gifted  with  a  mighty  strength* 
Surpassing  all  who  strove  with  him  in  games* 
Till  he  could  master  ten  of  them  in  arms* 

vm* 

King  Hrothgar's  castle*  Harot  Hall*  was  famed 
For  room*  and  strength*  and  beauty  of  design 
Above  all  else  that  human  hands  had  reared* 
The  antlers  carved  around  its  battlements 
Gave  it  the  name  of  Hart  or  Harot  Hall* 
A  thousand  silken  flags  with  shining  gold 
Hung  on  its  walls*    Its  mighty  towers  touched 
The  lowest  clouds*  defied  the  storm*  and  bade 
The  soaring  eagle  welcome  in  the  sky* 
Its  battlements  frowned  dark  upon  the  world* 
Its  moat  was  sunk  too  deep  for  men  to  ford, 
Its  drawbridge  lay  at  rest  for  friendly  foot* 
But  hung  suspended  when  the  warder's  horn 
Gave  lofty  signal  of  a  foe's  approach* 
Its  spacious  rooms  in  stone  and  oak  were  built* 
Five  thousand  souls  abode  beneath  its  roof* 

22 


THE  SEA  WAIF 


The  monarch  reared  it  in  the  pride  of  life, 
And  swore  that  it  should  stand  a  thousand  years* 

IX. 

The  gods   did  give  him  fortune,  health,  and 

power ;  — 

Or  if  they  frowned,  an  altar  in  the  wood 
Appeased  their  idols  with  its  sacrifice* 

X. 

Night  found  the  spacious  banquet  hall  alight 
With  torch  and  hearth-fire  while  the  king  did 

sup. 

Fair  Wealtheow,  his  Queen,  beside  him  sat, 
And  all  his  earls  and  thanes,  to  feast  with  him. 

XI. 

The  mead-cup  passed  around  the  joyous  board, 
And  all  drank  deep  the  ale  and  pledged  the  king. 
Brave  laughter  echoed  from  their  knightly  hearts. 
Then  stood  the  minstrel  with  his  harp,  and  sang 
The  deeds  of  mighty  men,  and  drew  their  lives 
So  lustrous  with  the  burning  tongue  of  fame 
As  made  the  company  of  noble  guests 
Spring  up  and  draw  their  swords,  and  vow  that 
they 

23 


BEOWULF 


Would  ride  abroad  and  die  for  honor,  too : 
Then  called  upon  their  gods  to  hear  them  swear. 

XII. 

In  time  the  Queen  gave  birth  to  Freaware, 
A  maid  with  golden  hair  and  soft  blue  eye, 
Who  grew  to  frolic  childhood,  then  to  youth, 
And  danced  with  Beowulf  in  forest  glades, 
And  romped  beneath  the  spreading  linden  trees. 

xnL 

One  day  came  Hunferth,  a  gigantic  earl, 
And  would  have  joined  their  sport,  but  Freaware 
Repelled  him ;  when  more  ardent  grew  the  man 
And  sought  to  win  the  maid  from  Beowulf* 
The  Princess  spurned  his  suit,  upbraiding  him 
That  he  should  woo  the  daughter  of  a  King. 
Whereon  did  Hunferth  sneer  at  Beowulf, 
That  she  a  nameless  playmate,  a  sea  waif, 
Should  choose  before  the  King's  most  ancient 

earl. 

Taunt  followed  taunt,  till  Beowulf,  enraged, 
Contended  with  his  foe,  and  raising  him 
Aloft,  discharged  him  stunned  upon  the  ground. 
The  agitated  Princess  seized  his  hand 
And  drew  him  from  the  scene  of  jealous  strife. 

24 


"Taunt  followed  taunt" 


THE  SEA  WAIF 


XIV. 

The  adolescent  days  passed  into  years 
While  all  the  time  their  strong  affection  grew. 
They  heard  the  call  of  every  bird  that  sang, 
And  loved  those  winged  flowers,  the  butterflies, 
That  sipped  pure  dew  from  every  nodding  rose. 
They  watched  the  boistous  waves  break  on  the 

shore, 

And  learned  the  mystic  language  of  the  sea. 
They  wooed  the  curlew  from  his  stormcloud 

home, 

And  in  the  deep  glade  calmed  the  startled  deer. 
Their  life  was  laughter  and  their  food  was  joy; — 
Heigh  ho,  the  eglantine  and  daffodil :  — 
Until  the  unknown  passion  of  their  blood 
Begat  at  last  a  shyness  in  the  pair ; 
Then  walked  they  silent  in  the  mesh  of  love. 

XV. 

But  Beowulf  resolved  he  ne'er  would  stop 
To  tell  his  melting  tale  to  willing  ears 
Until  his  sword  had  done  its  deeds  of  praise. 


25 


BOOK  II. 


THE  FLAMING  SWORD 


THE    FLAMING 
SWORD 


L 


NE    day    the    pensive 

Beowulf  set  forth 
And    wandered   through 

the  forest  all  alone* 
So  long  he    stay'd  that 

question  soon  arose 
Why  he  should  tarry  in 

his  woodland  stroll* 
One  said  some  hungry  beast  had  eaten  him, 
Whereon  the  others  vowed  no  beast  that  lived 
Could  overcome  the  strength  of  Beowulf* 
But  none  could  tell  what  kept  the  Prince  away* 

n* 

Now  when  his  vex£d  friends  had  anxious  grown 
Lest  accident  had  robbed  the  youth  of  life, 
He  homeward  came,  dejected  and  forlorn, 
With  halting  step,  all  joy  of  visage  gone, 

29 


BEOWULF 


A  deep  and  troubled  look  upon  his  face* 
Avoiding  all  the  greetings  of  the  court, 
And  even  Freaware's  inquiring  gaze, 
He  passed  in  silence  to  his  solitude. 

III. 

That  night  he  late  came  to  the  monarch's  feast : 

A  world  of  sorrow  hung  upon  his  brow. 

The  mead-cup  passed  his  lips  untouched.     The 

mirth 

Of  jesting  friend,  the  sway  of  minstrel  song, 
No  longer  moved  the  melancholy  youth. 
His  sad  behavior  threw  them  all  in  gloom; 
The  banquet  paused,  the  merriment  was  gone, 
And  Hrothgar  asked  the  meaning  of  his  mood. 
The  Prince  grew  pale  and  stammered  an  excuse, 
Which  only  pricked  their  curiosity ; 
And  when  repeated  questions  failed  to  bring 
A  reason  for  his  woe,  the  King  was  wroth, 
And  bade  the  youth  to  speak,  yea,  and  at  once. 

IV. 

Quick  Beowulf  arose,  and  cast  his  eye 
On  every  guest,  and  then  on  Freaware. 
He  tried  to  speak,  but  failed;  then  tried  again, 
And  with  a  voice  suppressed  and  full  of  awe, 
He  told  the  King  it  was  revealed  to  him 

30 


THE  FLAMING  SWORD 


That  all  their  gods  were  only  vicious  gods, 
And  helpless  to  uplift  the  souls  of  men. 

V. 

Deep  gloomed  King  Hrothgar's  brow,  and  at  the 

word 
Each  knightly  hand  made   quick  to  grasp  its 

sword 

Prepared  to  punish  sacrilegious  speech 
Should  the  brave  war-lord  now  condemn  the 

youth* 

The  Queen  with  apprehension  viewed  the  scene, 
While  Freaware  looked  on  in  sad  amaze. 

VI. 

Oh,  thou,  who  came  from  out  the  boundless 

deep  — 

Thus  spake  the  King  —  in  tender  babyhood 
Unto  our  shores.     In  thy  extremity 
We  gave  thee  care  and  nourished  thy  sweet 

years 

In  deep  solicitude  until  this  day. 
All  this  thou  has  requited  us  again 
By  thy  good  conduct,  modesty,  and  love. 
Our  people  look  upon  you  as  our  Prince, 
While  we,  ourself,  have  thought  thee,  Beowulf, 

3* 


BEOWULF 


As  dear  to  us  as  if  thou  wert  our  son. 
—  King  Hrothgarshot  a  glance  at  Freaware. — 
But  now,  with  impious  and  profane  tongue, 
Thou  hast  impeached  the  honor  of  our  gods, 
And  put  our  souls  in  jeopard  by  thy  vaunt. 
I  do  abjure  thee,  e'er  my  vengeance  fall, 
The  vengeance  of  a  deep  insulted  King,  — 
Recant,  —  thou  foolish,  froward,  hapless  boy ! 

VIL 

The  table  breathed  again.    They  felt  assured 
The  King's  rebuke  would  make  the  Prince 
repent. 

vni. 

But  Beowulf  stood  fast  in  stern  resolve. 
O,  King,  he  cried,  to  thee  I  do  owe  much;  — 
My  education  and  a  happy  life, 
And  favor  that  hath  raised  me  to  a  Prince. 
I  love  this  land  and  for  it  I  would  die. 
But  when  I  went  alone  into  the  wood, 
My  soul  did  meet  the  Spirit  of  the  Truth, 
Astride  a  horse  winged  for  celestial  paths, 
In  light  more  dazzling  than  the  noonday  sun. 
He  held  across  my  way  a  flaming  sword. 
And  while  I  looked  upon  the  wondrous  sight 
Amazed,  I  feared  it  not,  but  did  confide 

32 


THE  FLAMING  SWORD 


That  such  a  being  would  not  do  me  hurt* 

And  while  I  stood  in  meek  and  reverent  faith, 

The  Spirit  told  me  there  did  dwell  in  Heaven 

One  God  who  ruled  the  nations  of  the  earth,  — 

A  God  of  love  and  pity,  and  but  one* 

He  told  me  that  the  gods  whom  we  revere 

Are  false  and  bloody  idols  of  deceit* 

He  bade  me  come  and  tell  thee  this  to-night, 

Lest  that  the  errors  which  overcast  our  faith 

Do  bring  a  dire  affliction  on  this  land* 

When  he  full  revelation  of  his  truth 

Had  poured  into  my  eager,  constant  heart, 

He  sped  his  steed  into  the  far-off  sky, 

And  soon  was  lost  in  Heaven's  deepest  blue* 

IX* 

Oh,  Beowulf,  our  son,  —  thus  spake  the  King ; 
A  fearful  dream  is  this  that  fills  thy  mind ; 
Or  else  an  evil  spirit  haunts  thy  steps 
Who  with  his  damned  arts  of  sorcery 
Gives  falsehood  to  thine  eye  the  look  of  truth* 
Avert,  we  do  implore  thee,  Beowulf, 
The  quick  approach  of  thy  self-courted  doom ; 
For  if  thou  dost  pursue  thine  error  now, 
And  challenge  still  the  virtue  of  our  gods, 
This  very  night  we  '11  judge  thee  for  thy  fault* 
3  33 


BEOWULF 


X. 

The  Prince  with  resolution  held  his  ground, 
But  turned  his  fleeting  glance  on  Freaware. 

XL 

Of  King,  he  said ;  the  truth  can  never  lie, 
Nor  can  a  falsehood  in  the  garb  of  truth 
Deceive  the  yearning  of  a  human  souL 
What  I  have  said  is  truth ;  I  know  *t  is  truth,  — 
The  truth  of  God,  eternal  and  supreme! 

XIL 

King  Hrothgar  struck  his  fist  upon  the  board, 
And  he  and  all  his  earls  stood  on  their  feet, 
Their  swords  unsheathed,  and  wrathful  eyed 

the  youth; 

While  Wealtheow  the  Queen,  and  Freaware, 
Sat  trembling  for  the  daring  Prince's  life* 

XIIL 

Thou  impious  youth !  —  The  rageful  King  thus 

spoke. 

Thou  art  an  ingrate  and  a  moping  fool ! 
But  that  thy  life  came  to  us  from  the  sea, 
Thy  birth  a  mystery  beyond  resolve, 
We  would  condemn  thee  to  an  instant  death. 
But  thou  hast  forfeited  our  deep  respect 

34 


THE  FLAMING  SWORD 


And  cast  away  the  anchors  of  our  love* 

We  therefore  banish  thee  our  kingdom's  bounds ; 

We  bid  thee  quit  our  realm  this  very  night, 

For  if  the  broad  dominion  of  our  rule 

Shall  hold  thy  person  by  to-morrow's  dawn, 

We  swear  thy  life  shall  meet  a  bloody  end* 

XIV* 

The  young  man  heard,  —  with  flashing  eye  he 

heard, 
Then  drooped  his  lids  and  hushed  his  hidden 

grief; 

And  when  a  moment  had  restored  his  strength, 
He  slowly  strode  beyond  the  furied  earls ; 
But  when  he  'd  reached  the  table's  end,  quick 

turned, 

And  through  the  sorrow  beaming  in  his  eye 
He  pierced  the  aching  heart  of  Freaware, 
And  wished  that  all  his  yesterdays  were  back* 
But  saying,  It  is  truth !  —  the  boy  was  gone* 

XV* 

Fierce  silence  sat  upon  the  warrior  band ; 
There  was  no  further  appetite  for  feast, 
So  all  dispersed  and  sought  relief  in  sleep* 
But  Freaware  the  Princess  found  no  sleep* 


35 


BOOK  III. 


G  R  E  N  D  E  L 


GRENDEL 


OW  Grendel  in  his  pesti 
lential  mere, 
A  frightful  ogre,  huge  of 

stature,  dwelt;  — 
A  hairy  beast,  built  some 
what  like  a  man, 
Yet  fourfold  large  as  any 

man  that  was* 
His  face  with  many  evil  passions  blazed* 
He  thrived  on  blood  of  things  that  lived  in 

swamps, 

And  with  the  Water-Hag  that  gave  him  birth 
Made  greedy  ravage  in  his  noisome  lake* 

n* 

A  grim  tradition  told  that  ancient  Cain, 
Who  first  wrought  murder  in  the  infant  world, 
Accursed  of  God,  did  wander  o'er  the  earth, 
An  outlaw  shunning  men,  and  by  men  shunned, 
And  lived  with  wild  beasts  in  the  wilderness* 
In  time  a  brood  of  branded  creatures  grew ; 

39 


BEOWULF 


The  Swamp-Hag  was  an  offspring  of  this  line, 
And  she  was  mother  to  the  Grendel  beast* 
And  so  through  centuries,  from  Cain's  own  time, 
This  pair  of  huge  mark-stalkers  *  held  the  moor — 
No  stranger  pair  was  ever  since  create ! 
The   Swamp-Hag   was   in   beldam's    likeness 

built, 

While  Grendel  held  resemblance  to  a  man, 
Yet  larger  much.     If  father  he  e'er  had, 
Or  sprang  from  wicked  goblin,  no  man  knows. 
They  lived  in  swamps  most  desolate  and  lone, 
And  walked  beneath  the  frowning  mountain 

ness,t 

Where  falls  the  torrent  in  the  dark  earth  caves* 
Not  many  miles  from  Harot  lay  their  mere, 
And  on  its  top  burns  every  night  a  fire;  — 
No  living  man  can  tell  the  water's  depth, 
For  none  who  ever  touched  their  haunted  pool 
Came  forth  again,  but  stayed  to  feed  the  beasts. 
When  speeds  the  hunted  stag  before  the  hounds, 
Emerging  from  the  wood  in  breathless  flight, 
He  stops  in  terror  at  the  Nickers'  $  lake, 
And  dies  upon  the  brink  e'er  he  will  plunge 
Into  the  nameless  horrors  of  the  mere. 

*  Mark,  dark,  darkness  ;  mark-stalkers,  night-walkers. 

t  Ness,  bluff. 

t  Nickers,  sea-beasts,  water-beasts. 

40 


GRENDEL 


ffl. 

One  night,  made  bold  by  hunger's  biting  edge, 
This  Grendel  crept  in  torment  from  the  mere, 
And  made  his  way  in  slow  and  savage  pace 
Through  fen  and  tarn  and  brake,  and  over 

moor, 
Until  he  came  at  last  to  Harot  Hall. 

IV. 

Amphibious,  the  monster  swam  the  moat, 
And  reaching  high  his  strong  and  hairy  arms 
To  the  machicolations  of  the  wall, 
Gained  foothold  on  the  barbican,  and  thence 
Stood  firm  upon  the  battlements  in  glee. 

V. 

A  sentinel,  who  saw  the  fearful  thing, 
And  fleeing,  told  the  captain  of  the  guard, 
Was  straightway  put  into  the  gaoler's  keep 
For  overdeep  libation  of  his  ale. 


But  soon  an  outcry  rose  upon  the  walls, 

And  stopped  the  King's  enjoyment  of  his  mead. 

The  earls  drew  sword  and  grouped  about  their 

lord, 
To  ward  his  life  against  the  unseen  foe. 


BEOWULF 


VIL 

Quick  came,  with  ashen  face  and  trembling  knee, 
The  captain  of  the  guard,  who  ne'er  before 
Had  felt  the  palsied  touch  of  craven  fear* 
With  halting  tongue  he  told  the  dreadful  tale,  — 
How  Grendel  had  appeared  upon  the  wall, 
Where  shadows  hid  him  from  the  soldiers'  gaze, 
And  fiercely  eaten  one  good  man-at-arms* 
Some  bolder  than  the  rest  had  struck  their  pikes 
Upon  his  tough  and  shell-clad  sides  in  vain ; 
For  he  was  proof  against  the  sharpest  steel, 
And  never  weapon  pierced  his  outer  skin* 
When  he  had  gorged  himself  on  human  flesh, 
He  clasped  a  shrieking  victim  round  the  waist, 
And  limped  away  to  feed  him  to  his  dam, 
The  Swamp-Hag,  who  had  given  the  monster 
birth* 

vm* 

King  Hrothgar  lifted  up  his  voice  and  wept, 
And  all  his  thanes  lent  sorrow  to  his  woe* 
Nor  King  nor  courtier  sought  his  bed  that  night, 
But  held  a  frightened  vigil  in  the  Hall ;  — 
For  Grendel,  whatsoe'er  his  power  might  be, 
Nor  any  other  superhuman  beast, 
Could  brave  the  sacred  presence  of  the  King, 
And  they  that  dwelt  beside  him  knew  it  well* 

42 


GRENDEL 

IX, 

A  thought  came  quick  into  the  monarch's  mind 
Of  Beowulf,  and  what  the  youth  had  told 
Of  that  fair  vision  in  the  lonely  wood: 
The  Spirit  of  the  Truth  itself  in  light 
More  dazzling  than  the  burning  noonday  sun, 
And  holding  in  his  hand  a  flaming  sword, 
Who  told  him  that  one  God  in  Heaven  dwelt, 
Who  ruled  all  kings  and  nations  in  the  earth 
With  love  and  pity*      And    King    Hrothgar 

groaned 

In  anguish  of  the  soul  when  he  bethought 
How  he  'd  dismissed,  in  rudeness  and  contempt, 
From  his  own  presence  and  from  Freaware, 
The  youth  who  drifted  to  him  from  the  mist 
To  save  his  kingdom  from  the  kingdom's  ills* 
The  awe-struck  thanes  divined  their  master's 

thought 

And  wished  that  Beowulf  would  come  again; 
For  there  was  comfort  in  the  thought  of  him* 

S I  i          x*    .      .     .  . 

So  every  night  the  thing  came  from  the  mere 
And  fed  upon  the  children  of  the  King* 
In  agony  prolonged  the  nation  dwelt, 
And  weltered  in  atrocity  and  blood* 

43 


BEOWULF 


The  old  and  young,  the  women  and  the  men, 

The  rich  and  poor,  and  even  tender  babes, 

Were  sacrificed  to  that  remorseless  beast, 

To  feed  his  hunger  and  the  Swamp-Hag's  lust* 

The  trail  of  death  ran  red  to  every  door, 

And  many  houses  stood  in  soulless  gloom* 

The  monster  prowled  about  and  lay  in  wait, 

And  no  man  knew  when  he  would  be  attacked* 

The  fearful  ear  in  silence  of  the  night 

Can  hear  the  tiny  footfall  of  a  mouse* 

How  much  more  terrible  was  GrendePs  tread ! 

XL 

The  King  called  all  the  nobles  of  his  realm, 

And  drew  the  nation's  wisdom  round  his  throne, 

And  eagerly  besought  a  remedy 

From  the  combined  judgment  of  the  land* 

Some  offered  sacrifice  unto  the  gods ; 

A  hundred  made  oblations  to  the  sun ; 

The  moon  and  stars  received  obsequious  court, 

And  rolling  clouds  were  worshipped  in  dumb 

fear* 

But  still  the  demon  drank  the  blood  of  all* 
The  King  was  tempest-tossed  upon  his  throne, 
And  helpless  to  avert  his  people's  doom, 
Yet  safe  himself  from  Grendel's  rageful  thirst* 

44 


1 

J! 


GRENDEL 

XIL 

When  two  long  years  had  passed,  and  on  the 

land 

A  mark  of  fatal  devastation  lay, 
Came  Beowulf  again  across  the  wave* 
The  cry  of  woe  had  reached  beyond  the  sea 
Where  he  was  winning  an  immortal  fame* 
It  called  him  to  redress  his  country's  wrong, 
Forgetting  he  was  banished  from  her  shore* 
But  when  his  boat  was  ready  to  set  sail 
No  man  dared  go  with  him  upon  his  quest 
To  meet  a  bloody  and  impermeable  foe. 
So  he,  unfaltering  at  duty's  call, 
Embarked  alone  and  sailed  for  England's  shore. 
One  day  and  night  he  sped  across  the  waves, 
And  then  arrived  in  safety  on  the  beach. 

xm. 

Sharp-eyed,  the  warder  on  King  Hrothgar's 

wall 

Beheld  the  knight  in  panoply  of  steel, 
With  visor  closed,  leap  out  upon  the  sand. 

XIV. 

The  man  descended  and  his  steed  bestrode, 
And  galloping  whence  Beowulf  debarked, 

45 


BEOWULF 


He  brandished  in  his  hand  a  burnished  lance. 
And  challenged  the  bold  invader's  bent 
In  coming  there  in  shining  armor  clad* 

XV. 

Who  art  thou?  —  thus  he  cried  —  mail-coated 

man, 

Who  solitary  sails  the  ocean's  crest  ? 
In  many  years  my  vigil  on  the  wall 
Has  never  seen  a  ship  so  strange  as  thine  — 
One  sailor  only,  he  with  chain-knit  sark. 
Our  pass-word  is  not  thine ;  then  hie  thee  hence — 
This  is  no  land  for  courtesy  or  war. 
Give  me  thy  name  and  country ;  raise  thy  helm, 
And  let  me  look  into  thy  knightly  face ; 
For  by  my  soul  I  never  saw  before 
So  tall  and  strong  a  man  indeed  as  thou. 

XVI. 

Behind  his  casque  the  knight  quick  answer  made. 
I  come  from  Hygelac  the  Goth,  whose  ranks 
I  sometime  joined  to  take  the  chance  of  war. 
One  year  ago  the  royal  Hygelac 
Made  me  the  captain  of  his  valiant  host. 

xvn. 

Thy  name  ?  —  the  sentinel  demanded  —  speak ! 

46 


GRENDEL 


XVffl* 

I  will  not  give  it  save  unto  the  King ! 
Yet  know  thou  this :  the  dark  atrocity 
That  nightly  devastates  this  hapless  land, 
I  came  to  overthrow*     Then  let  us  hence ! 

XIX* 

They  dropped  the  anchor  and  made  fast  their 

rope* 

Then  Beowulf  pressed  on  behind  the  steed 
Unto  the  castle  where  King  Hrothgar  dwelt* 
When  they  did  reach  the  gate  the  warder  gave 
The  pass-word,  and  bade  Beowulf  go  in* 

XX* 

The  knight  trod  quickly  down  the  stone-paved 

street, 

His  sword  and  spurs  resounding  as  he  walked* 
His  gilded  byrnie  *  and  his  body-sark  t 
Threw  back  the  sun  in  splendor  magnified* 
Without  direction  well  he  knew  the  way, 
And  after  giving  many  times  the  word, 
He  passed  the  portals  of  the  presence  room 
And  deep  obeisance  made  before  the  King* 

*  Byrnie,  breast  plate. 

t  Body-sark,  shirt,  —  shirt  of  chain  links. 

47 


BEOWULF 


XXL 

Now  old  and  hoary  sat  King  Hrothgar  there, 
His  earls  about  him,  and  his  guard  of  state* 
His  face  was  furrowed  by  an  awful  woe, 
And  ever  and  anon  a  deep-drawn  sigh 
Gave  witness  of  the  sorrow  in  his  heart* 

XXIL 

Thy  name  ?  he  kindly  said  to  Beowulf* 

XXffl* 

I  am  from  Hygelac,  said  Beowulf, 

And  Ecgtheow,  his  chiefest  counsellor* 

Both  Hygelac,  the  King,  and  Ecgtheow 

Do  testify  by  many  precious  gifts 

Which  now  are  hidden  in  my  vessel's  hold 

How  they  do  cherish  love  for  thee  and  thine* 

XXIV* 

The  royal  Hygelac  I  ne'er  have  met 
Though  I  do  love  him  as  a  brother  King* 
But  Ecgtheow,  thy  counsellor  and  friend, 
Hath  been  our  guest  in  bygone  happier  days ; 
A  man  of  wisdom  and  accomplishment, 
And  we  esteem  thee  if  thou  art  from  him* 
Thy  helmet,  therefore  —  put  thy  visor  up 
That  we  may  learn  the  fashion  of  thy  face* 

48 


GRENDEL 

XXV. 

Then  Beowulf  his  visor  raised,  and  knelt 
In  humble  pity  at  the  monarch's  feet* 
The  King  a  moment  peered  into  his  face, 
Then  with  a  cry  of  joy  he  seized  the  knight 
And  hugged  him  to  his  breast,  and  shed  those 

tears 

That  withering  adversity  had  kept 
For  many  months  deep  in  their  fountains  locked* 
A  new-born  hope  now  bade  them  freely  flow 
And  give  refreshment  to  a  broken  heart* 

XXVI* 

When  stronger  grew  the  King  he  raised  his 

eyes, 

And,  yearning  for  a  champion  to  come, 
Yet  fearing  disappointment,  slowly  asked : 
O  Beowulf,  my  son  —  why  art  thou  here? 

xxvn* 

The  gallant  army  of  King  Hygelac, 
Said  Beowulf,  did  pause  before  a  town, 
And  while  they  parleyed  to  capitulate, 
One  of  their  side,  an  old  seafaring  man, 
Related  how  no  trooper's  life  was  safe 
Beneath  the  mighty  fabric  of  this  roof, 

49 


BEOWULF 


All  through  the  night,  but  with  the  darkness 

came 

A  horrid  beast  with  sateless  appetite 
To  feed  upon  the  people  of  the  King* 
On  hearing  this  the  noble  Hygelac 
Demanded  if  his  ranks  contained  a  knight 
To  face  the  monster  and  arrest  his  woe* 
The  city  then  surrendering,  I  came* 

xxvm* 

Brave  Beowulf,  cried  Hrothgar,  gallant  son ! 

XXIX* 

This  letter  then  writes  Hygelac  to  thee. 

XXX* 

The  King  received  it  and  did  read  aloud* 

XXXI* 

To  Hrothgar,  royal  brother,  send  we  these : 
Thou  knowest  Beowulf,  our  army's  chief ; 
Bright  honor  sits  enthroned  upon  his  helm* 
His  arm  contains  the  strength  of  twenty  men* 
Oft  have  I  seen  him,  battered  by  his  foes, 
Return  victorious  from  a  hopeless  fight* 
Once  saw  I  him  a  deadly  monster  seize 

50 


I 


"I  do  implore  thee,  answered  Beowulf ,  that  single-handed  thott 
wilt  let  me  go  against  this  monster,  Grendel " 


GRENDEL 


And  bind  his  raging  limbs  with  rope  of  steel. 
He  has  the  Eoten-race  *  laid  low  in  death. 
He  has  slain  nickers  on  the  tempest  wave, 
And  many  of  our  grievances  avenged. 
Quick  goes  he  now,  great  Hrothgar,  to  thy  land, 
To  slay  this  Grendel,  or  be  slain  by  him. 
We  bid  him  pale  all  honor  yet  achieved, 
Or  die  attempting  honor's  highest  prize. 

XXXII. 

Thus  writes  good  Hygelac  the  King  to  me. 
Oh,  son,  —  for  thou  art  son  unto  my  heart, 
We  do  avoid  at  this  most  fateful  hour 
The  topic  that  dissevered  once  our  souls. 
Thou  wert  eternal  right;  we  ever  wrong. 
Let  that  suffice.    But  dost  thou  know  the  risk  ? 

xxxm. 

I  do  implore  thee,  answered  Beowulf, 
That  single-handed  thou  wilt  let  me  go 
Against  this  monster,  Grendel.    I  full  well 
Remember  that  his  shell-clad  hide  resists 
The  point  and  edge  of  weapons,  and  his  eyes 
Do  look  such  horror  as  destroys  the  sense, 
And  makes  his  foe  a  nerveless  victim  die. 

*  Eoten-race,  race  of  giants. 

5* 


BEOWULF 


Still  will  I  go  unarmed  against  the  beast 

And  try  to  kill  him  with  my  naked  hands. 

But  if  I  fall  before  the  doom  of  God, 

No  mound  needst  thou  to  pile  above  my  head, 

For  he  will  bear  me  to  his  poisoned  lake 

To  eat  me  with  exulting  appetite* 

And  should  that  fate  overtake  me,  send  I  pray 

The  gilded  byrnie  that  I  cast  aside 

To  Hygelac,  that  he  may  know  I  'm  dead* 

XXXIV* 

Spake  Hrothgar :  'T  is  a  sorrow  in  my  soul, 

A  deep  humiliation,  to  describe 

To  any  mortal  man  this  helpless  plight. 

My  fearless  thanes,  my  heroes  bold  and  brave, 

Near  all  have  fed  the  passion  of  the  beast. 

Full  oft  they  drank  the  courage-giving  cup 

And  held  their  swords  to  wait  the  onslaught 

here; 

But  when  the  morning  came,  this  spacious  Hall 
Was  stained  with  gore,  and  naught  else  could 

we  find. 
Thus  night  by  night  my  kingdom's  strength  is 

sapped* 

If  thou  wilt  therefore  undertake  his  death 
Thou  wilt  unslave  a  King  and  kingdom  both. 

52 


GRENDEL 


XXXV. 

Now  came  the  serving  men  to  bring  the  feast. 
And  Beowulf  sat  at  the  King's  right  hand* 
Then  came  Queen  Wealtheow,  and  Freaware, 
And  Beowulf  a  deep  obeisance  made. 
And  when  the  Queen  had  learned  his  gallant 

quest 

She  smiled  in  gracious  favor  on  the  knight* 
But  Freaware  in  seeming  coldness  sat, 
Nor  looked  at  him,  save  secretly  and  quick. 
The  King's  best  earl  attended  Beowulf; 
A  minstrel  to  his  harp  the  hero  sang. 
The  dying  hope  of  rescue  took  new  life ; 
The  banished  note  of  revelry  came  home ;  — 
So  much  assurance  brings  a  fearless  soul. 

XXXVI. 

The  giant  Hunferth,  EcglaPs  son,  renowned 
In  Hrothgar's  service,  felt  a  jealous  pang 
To  see  another  go  against  the  beast 
Whose   overthrow    the    whole    world    would 

acclaim. 
Yet  ne'er  had  he  begged  eager  for  the  task. 

XXXVII. 

With  scoffing  eye  he  looked  on  Beowulf ;  — 
Contemptuously  laughed  and  bitter  spoke : 

53 


BEOWULF 


I  have  been  told  that  thou  with  Breca  strove 
In  swimming-match  across  the  open  sea, 
Where  in  bravado,  ye  explored  the  floods, 
Against  advice  of  friend  and  foe  alike, 
And  foolishly  in  peril  put  your  lives* 
Ye  twain  swam  fast  and  buffeted  the  waves 
And  plied  all  day  and  night  the  ocean's  foam ; 
But  thou  wert  worsted  in  the  wintry  surf, 
And  Breca  reached  the  goal  far  ahead, 
And  was  acclaimed  the  city's  feudal  lord* 

XXXVin* 

With  burning  cheek  stood  Beowulf,  and  spoke : 
When  men  in  drink  o'erstep  a  temperate  thirst 
Their  tongues  grow  larger  than  their  bravest 

deeds* 

Thou  hast  not  swam  the  wave  so  much  as  I, 
Nor  overcome  its  deadly  foes  so  much* 
My  match  with  Breca  was  in  friendship  made ; 
He  was  my  bravest  comrade  in  the  wars* 
Each  clothed  in  body-sark  of  linked  steel, 
Our  shields  away,  we  plunged  into  the  sea, 
Our  swords  held  drawn  to  fight  against  the 

whales* 

All  day  and  night  we  swam  the  waves  abreast 
Till  from  the  north  there  came  a  mighty  wind 

54 


GRENDEL 

That  drove  the  seething  billows  o'er  our  heads 
And  parted  us  upon  the  raging  main* 
While  I  swam  on  alone  the  walrus  came 
And  struck  his  tusks  against  my  body-sark* 
My  gilded  byrnie  held  the  monster  off, 
But  he,  returning,  dragged  me  to  the  depths 
Until  the  bottom  of  the  sea  we  touched, 
Where  I  dispatched  him  with  my  sword,  and 

rose 

Exhausted  to  the  top  to  breathe  the  air* 
So  hard  a  fight  ne'er  Breca  had,  nor  you* 
The  waves  then  cast  me  on  the  Finland  beach 
Where  Breca  had  been  washed  an  hour  before ; 
And  while  't  is  true  they  chose  him  for  their  lord 
The  post  was  his  hereditarily ; 
And  he  confessed  that,  —  for  his  strength  had 

waned 
When  mine  was  at  the  full,  —  the  match  was 

mine, 
And  bade  his  people  pledge  me  in  their  cups* 

XXXIX. 

Then  Hunferth  raged,  and  said,  I  too,  can  tell 
Of  monsters  vanquished  on  the  sea  and  land* 

XL* 

Then  why  not  Grendel,  too  ?  cried  Beowulf* 

55 


BEOWULF 


Pray  answer  why  thou  hast  not  vanquished 

him? 

Oh,  Hunfertht  when  thou  tellest  here  thy  deeds, 
And  would  disparage  those  of  other  men, 
Forget  not,  I  beseech  thee,  to  relate 
How  thou  didst  kill  thy  brother  in  his  bed 
That  his  estate  might  pass  into  thy  hand* 
No  further  tempt  me,  Hunferth.     Thou  art  one 
Who  sees  no  urgent  duty  in  to-day 
But  lives  among  his  yesterdays,  content 
To  close  the  eye  to  present  evils  felt 
And  satisfy  the  mind  with  glories  past. 
I  stand  here  now  to  fight  my  King's  worst  foe* 
Wilt  thou  encounter  him  beside  me,  man  ? 

XLL 

In  deep  humiliation  Hunferth  said, 
This  is  a  task  I  cannot  undertake. 
To  fight  a  demon  is  no  game  for  me. 
1 11  own  thy  better  skill  if  thou  prevail. 

XLII. 

Then  much  deploring  to  hear  angry  speech 
When  common  peril  made  sweet  peace  preferred, 
Queen  Wealtheow  arose  in  gracious  smiles, 
Resplendent  in  her  gold-embroidered  gown; 
And  going  first  unto  her  sovereign  lord, 

56 


GRENDEL 


Gave  him  to  drink  the  mead  from  her  own  cup, 
Then  handed  it  to  Beowulf,  and  soothed 
His  troubled  spirit  as  a  woman  can 
When  all  else  turns  a  man's  repose  to  gall. 
She  said,  Thou  shalt  have  love  and  honor  both 
If  thou  prevail  against  the  wicked  beast ;  — 
And  Beowulf  looked  down  at  Freaware. 

XLIIL 

Full  soon  was  laughter  in  the  Hall  restored, 
Till  Hrothgar  rose  to  bid  his  friend  good-night, 
Then  all  stood  up  and  Hrothgar  spake  these 

words : 

Bold  Prince,  good-night*     I  give  unto  the  Lord 
To  keep  thee  safe  from  hurt.     May  he  endue 
Thine  arm  with  strength  beyond  thy  former 

deeds. 

This  splendid  Castle  place  I  in  thy  charge ; 
Thou  art  its  master,  —  master  then  its  foe. 
Be  vigilant,  be  wary,  guard  thyself ; 
And  if  thou  do  prevail  against  the  beast, 
Thy  dearest  wish  shall  quick  fruition  find, 
E'en  though  it   compass  half   our  kingdom's 

wealth ! 

XLIV. 

All  hail  the  King !     The  cry  rang  through  the 

Hall. 

57 


BEOWULF 


Then  Hrothgar  drew  away,  and  all  his  court ; 
And  Beowulf,  with  one  attendant,  stayed. 

XLV. 

Then  Beowulf  called  up  the  man-at-arms, 
And  stripped  himself  of  all  his  jewelled  steel. 
His  gilded  byrnie,  helmet,  belt,  and  sword 
Were  given  to  the  man  to  put  away* 
Then  in  the  simple  furnishing  of  peace 
He  knelt  him  down  and  prayed  unto  the  Lord : 
Oh,  Thou,  who  art  the  father  of  all  men, 
Who  governest  the  nations  of  the  earth, 
Thou  knowest  that  my  heart  now  holds  no  fear 
And  that  in  Thy  dear  love  I  look  to  win. 
This  Grendel  knows  no  courtesy  of  life ; 
No  gentle  mercy  of  the  sword  or  shield 
That  knights  in  combat  one  another  show. 
With  horror  only  is  his  warfare  marked. 
Then  let  me,  Lord,  encounter  him  to-night 
With  naked  arms,  and  if  my  heart  be  pure, 
Then  give  thou  me  the  battle  over  him. 

XLVL 

In  simple  faith  thus  trusting  in  the  Lord, 

The  brave  knight  laid  him  down,  but  not  to 

sleep. 

He  knew  that  other  men  of  valiant  heart 

58 


GRENDEL 


Had  dared  to  seek  repose  in  Harot  Hall, 
And  never  waked  but  to  an  awful  death. 
His  pillow  therefore  used  he  but  for  rest, 
And  kept  his  eye  undimmed  upon  the  door, 
While  near  it  soon  his  comrade  fell  asleep* 

XLVIL 

In  darkest  night  came  Grendel  from  the  mere 
Where  dwelt  he  with  the  nickers  and  his  Hag. 
Across  the  lonely  moor  he  dragged  his  way, 
In  hunger  growling  till  he  neared  the  Hall, 
When  joy  of  sure  repast  increased  his  speed 
And  changed  his  fury  to  malignant  mirth. 
His  oft  invasion  of  the  royal  house 
Had  taught  him  to  expect  abundant  food. 
He  therefore  confidently  scaled  the  wall ; 
With  labored  breathing  gained  the  battlement ; 
Then  straight  descended  toward  the  banquet 

room, 

Unconscious  of  the  man  on  guard  within. 
His  pace  grew  quick  as  near  the  prize  he  drew, 
And,  with  a  roar  prolonged,  in  savage  wrath 
He  flung  himself  against  the  oaken  doors, 
And  burst  their  fastenings  of  hammered  iron ; 
Then  stood  within  the  fair  and  spacious  Hall, 
His  feet  upon  the  many-colored  floor, 

59 


BEOWULF 


His  eyes  two  flashing  balls  of  evil  flame : 
A  gloating  demon  on  destruction  bent* 

XLVHI. 

He  saw  the  sleeping  groom  upon  the  floor 
And  laughed  to  think  how  quickly  he  would  part 
His  body  from  his  souL     He  seized  the  man, 
Who  waked,  and  gave  a  sudden  shriek,  and 
died* 

XLIX* 

Then  came  the  monster  upon  Beowulf* 

L, 

The  Sea-Prince  quick  advanced  in  knightly  rage* 
The  mere-beast  sought  to  grasp  him  in  his  teeth, 
But  Beowulf  seized  Grenders  bulky  arm 
And  grappled  him  with  a  tremendous  force, 
Until  the  evil  thing  was  made  to  know 
That  ne'er  before  had  he  felt  such  a  grip. 
He  stood  affrighted  at  this  unarmed  man ; 
The  first  that  ever  checked  his  savage  lust. 
He  tried  to  flee  away  into  the  dark 
To  join  the  Devil's  pack  beneath  the  lake ; 
But   Beowulf s  tight  grasp   now  cracked  his 

arm, 

And  then  began  a  fight  for  life  and  death* 

60 


Grendel 


GRENDEL 


LL 

The  combat  grew  more  deadly  in  the  Hall ; 
The  oaken  rafters  shook,  the  ale  was  spilled. 
The  tables  and  the  chairs  were  overturned ; 
The  walls  seemed  nigh  to  topple  and  fall  in ; 
King  Hrothgar's  golden  throne  was    pushed 

aside. 

A  fearful  panic  fell  upon  the  house. 
The  great  contention  split  the  ears  of  all* 
The  guard,  the  earls,  the  women  stood  aghast* 
Yet  none  dared  see  the  bold  titanic  strife, 
But  heard  its  growing  violence  and  rage, 
And  wondered  what  the  penalty  might  be 
Should  victory  now  crown  the  maddened  beast. 

Ltt 

The  Princess  Freaware  in  horror  fled 
Unto  the  chamber  of  Queen  Wealtheow. 
Then  knelt  the  two  in  mutual  embrace 
And  prayed  for  Beowulf  a  victory. 
The  old  King  entered,  and  his  thanes  came,  too, 
And  listened  to  the  frightful  sounds  of  war ; 
While  on  the  walls  the  men  went  mad  with  fear. 
The  King's  attendants  were  brave  men  and  true; 
They  would  have  joined  the  combat  in  the  Hall 
And  hacked  their  swords  against  the  shell-clad 
thing, 

6\ 


BEOWULF 


But  knew  full  well  the  choicest  blade  on  earth 
Could  not  incise  the  fell  destroyer's  skin. 
So  stayed  they  all,  and  heard  the  yelling  beast, 
And  hoped  deliverance  from  the  strife  prolonged* 

LIE. 

Now  Grendel  raged  and  sought  to  find  escape, 

But  Beowulf  maintained  his  fearful  grip 

Until  he  burst  the  sinews  of  the  arm 

And  made  the  juncture  of  the  bones  appear. 

Then  tore  he  from  the  beast  his  arm  and  breast, 

And  Grendel  stood  in  terror  unto  death. 

Full  well  he  knew  his  days  had  reached  the  end. 

Then  fled  he  to  the  coverts  of  the  mere, 

His  arm  and  shoulder  in  the  hero's  grasp;  — 

And  Beowulf  stood  victor  in  the  Hall ! 

LIV. 

The  wise  and  valiant  Sea-Prince  had  prevailed ; 
Redeemed  the  land  from  thraldom  of  the  beast, 
And  brilliantly  performed  his  promised  task* 

LV. 

His  trophy  of  the  bloody  hand  and  arm 
He  now  affixed  beneath  the  gabled  roof. 
Then  broke  the  morning  light  into  the  Hall, 

62 


GRENDEL 


And  soon  King  Hrothgar   came,  and  all  his 

court, 

Who  greeted  Beowulf  with  loud  acclaim, 
While  multitudes  took  up  the  cry  without 
And  hailed  him  as  the  saviour  of  the  land. 

LVL 

Vast  groups  of  people  drew  toward  the  lake 
Where  late  the  ogre  lived.     On  foot  and  horse 
They  came  in  glee  until  the  distant  sounds 
Of  evil  life  about  the  nickers'  mere 
Appalled  their   souls   and   gave    them  instant 

pause* 

But  when  they  started  back  for  their  abodes 
Their  spirits  rose  with  animated  joy, 
And  Beowulf's  achievement  was  rehearsed 
With  speech  that  rose  to  clamor  of  delight* 
The  horsemen  praised  his  fight  with  knightly 

words ; 

A  minstrel  in  the  throng  sang  cunning  verse ; 
The  yeomen  threw  their  caps  into  the  air 
And  kissed  their  sweethearts'  lips  for  Beowulf* 

LVH* 

The  happy  laughing  crowd  pushed  through  the 

gates 

And  peered  in  wonder  on  the  monster's  arm* 

63 


BEOWULF 


They  saw  its  finger-nails  stick  out  like  hooks ; 
They  saw  its  shell-like  skin  that  swords  defied, 
And  still  the  wonder  grew  that  mortal  man 
Could  overcome  a  demon  foe  like  this ; 
And  all  declared  for  such  a  deed  the  world 
Contained  no  hero  like  to  Beowulf. 

LVIIL 

King  Hrothgar  called  the  people  unto  him* 
I  bid  you  reverently  thank  the  Lord, 
He  cried,  for  sending  Beowulf  to  us 
To  rid  the  nation  of  its  fatal  curse. 
With  grief  I  have  beheld  our  bravest  men 
Turn  cowards  in  the  presence  of  this  foe ; 
While  superstition  sapped  our  wisest  minds 
When  dire  affliction  they  were  forced  to  meet. 
Now  hath  a  youth,  by  God's  most  tender  love, 
Prevailed  against  the  thing  which  shocked  the 

world ; 

And  if  his  mother,  though  unknown  to  us, 
Abideth  where  her  eyes  may  follow  him 
She  '11  deem  herself  most  blessed  of  her  sex 
To  know  that  son  of  hers  hath  won  this  fame* 

LIX. 

The  people  cheered  King  Hrothgar's  gracious 

speech, 

64 


GRENDEL 

"^V  N  " 

And  Beowulf  smiled  happily  and  bowed ; 
Then  went  into  the  palace  with  the  King. 

LX, 

King  Hrothgar  took  his  hand*     My  son,  he  said, 

Full  often  for  less  service  I  Ve  bestowed 

A  monarch's  recompense  on  knightly  men. 

No  deed  in  history  compares  with  thine. 

I  know  not  what  reward  to  give  to  thee, 

For  thy  deserving  is  so  boundless  vast 

That  wealth  and  high  advancement  in  the  state 

Leave  still  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  pay* 

Thou  hast  the  kingdom  saved :  it  shall  be  thine. 

We  will  anon  expound  our  wish  in  this. 

LXI. 

I  am  not  worthy  of  so  high  reward, 
But  sweet  it  is  to  think  you  hold  me  so. 
For  men  high-minded  deem  approval  best 
That  from  high-minded  souls  is  freely  given. 
True  love,  not  gold,  is  fame's  best  recompense, 
And  he 's  a  slave  that  would  reach  out  for  more. 
I  am  content,  King  Hrothgar,  with  thy  thanks. 

LXH. 

The  King  embraced  the  hero,  and  declared 
His  modesty  did  lustre  his  renown. 
5  65 


BEOWULF 


LXm. 

Now  men  and  women  came  to  cleanse  the  Hall, 

And  soon  restored  its  beauty  of  design* 

Its  tapestry  and  gold,  its  polished  wood, 

Its  ivory,  its  fine  mosaic  floor, 

And  all  the  splendor  of  its  furniture, 

Were  made  as  though  the  ogre  had  not  lived. 

LXIV. 

Then  Hrothgar  gave  to  Beowulf  a  flag 

With  decorated  cloth ;  a  coat-of-mail 

Inlaid  with  gold,  a  fine-wrought  silver  casque, 

A  jewelled  sword,  with  belt,  and  spurs  of  gold ; 

Eight  earls  led  in  eight  horses  for  the  youth, 

Luxuriously  saddled  and  bedight. 

Then  went  the  King  and  brought  his  own  war 

horse, 

The  finest  steed  in  England,  and  gave  all 
To  Beowulf  in  gratitude  of  heart. 

LXV. 

The  Queen  brought  Beowulf  a  velvet  robe, 
And  fastened  round  his  neck  her  carcanet 
With  diamonds  more  brilliant  than  the  stars. 

LXVI. 

Then  freaware  took  Beowulf's  great  hand, 
And  tried  to  speak  the  fulness  of  her  heart ; 

66 


OF  THF 

f   UNIVERSITY   J 

OF 

^MTO_Rg^' 


GRENDEL 


But  found  that  only  tears  could  tell  her  thanks* 
She  took  a  fragrant  flower  from  her  breast 
And  gave  to  him ;  and  heard  his  whispered  vow 
That  it  was  far  more  precious  than  all  else* 

LXVIL 

Then  all  to  supper  and  the  mead-cup's  mirth* 

LXVIII* 

When  Hrothgar  and  his  court  withdrew   for 

sleep* 

The  knights  and  men  pushed  tables  to  the  wall 
And  laid  their  beds  upon  the  polished  floor* 
Beside  them  were  their  good  swords  and  their 

shields* 

Their  helmets  and  their  coats  of  ringed  mail* 
They  drank  themselves  to  sleep  all  armed  for 

war; 

For  such  the  custom  of  the  country  was* 
That  sleeping  or  awake*  in  court  or  field* 
The  King's  men  were  prepared  to  fight  his 

wars* 


67 


BOOK  IV. 

THE    SWAMP-HAG 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


a^TT*^ 

v> 


HAT  very  night  when  all 

were  locked  in  sleep 
Except  the  guards  upon 

the  outer  wall, 
Came  GrendePs  horrid 

mother  from  the  lake, 
The    Swamp-Hag,   far 
more  hideous  than  he* 
She  climbed  the  wall  as  he  had  often  done 
And  tore  his  arm  away  to  take  it  home* 
A  soldier,  seeing,  struck  her  with  his  bill  — 
She  seized  him  and  made  speed  unto  the  mere* 

II* 

When  morning   came  they  told  the  King  his 

woes 

Were  not  yet  spent*     Then  called  he  Beowulf 
And  unto  him  described  the  new-found  ills* 
With  tears  he  said  a  soldier  whom  he  loved 
Had  been  destroyed  by  GrendePs  vengeful  dam* 
Oh,  now,  bold  Prince,  we  look  once  more  to  thee. 


BEOWULF 


The  Swamp-Hag's  haunt  as  yet  thou  knowest 

not, 

But  if  thou  wilt  combat  her  in  the  lake, 
And  take  revenge  for  our  fond  guardsman  slain, 
And  God  will  give  thee  strength  to  kill  her  there, 
Our  daughter  thou  shalt  wed,  and  wear  our 

crown ! 

IIL 

My  King,  said  Beowulf,  Grieve  not  afresh ; 
'T  is  better  to  avenge  than  mourn  his  death* 
Death  comes  to  all.     Who  can  achieve  renown 
Through  consecration  to  the  common  weal 
Ere  death  do  come,  gains  best  memorial* 
Rouse  thee  from  sorrow's  stupor,  gallant  King* 
Let  me  explore  the  way  to  Grendel's  dam ; 
I  vow  to  track  her  in  the  bowelled  earth, 
The  haunted  wood,  or  ocean's  lowest  depth ;  — 
Go  where  it  will,  this  thing  I  shall  pursue* 

IV* 

Then  rode  the  King  and  Beowulf  abroad, 
With  mounted  earls  and  men  on  foot  behind* 
The  Swamp-Hag's  tracks  were  easily  discerned* 
They  followed  her  through  haunted  paths,  steep 

banks, 

And  narrow  gulleys  where  the  nickers  dwell. 

72 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


At  last  they  pushed  their  way  into  a  wood 
Where  drooping  trees  o'erhung  the  grizzled  rock, 
And  nature  seemed  to  languish  in  decay* 
Here  in  the  midst  of  all  stood  Grenders  lake, 
A  dreary  pool  all  turbulent  and  red. 
The  warriors  now  shrank  with  fear  to  see 
Upon  the  bank  their  last-night's  comrade's  head* 
The  bugler  blew  a  note  upon  his  horn 
That  made  the  gruesome  haunters  of  the  pool 
Disport  themselves  in  gambols  on  the  banks* 
Great  sea-snakes  swam  upon  the  water's  edge, 
While  on  the  jutting  scaurs  the  nickers  lay* 
Green  dragons  and  weird  beasts  abounded  there, 
Which  angry  grew  to  be  invaded  thus, 
One  wing'd  and  horne'd  thing  that  sought  the 

wave 

Received  a  shaft  from  Beowulf's  strong  bow 
That  sent  him  to  a  spiteful,  roaring  death* 
The  men  threw  ropes  around  the  goblin's  head 
And  hauled  the  beast  ashore  in  great  amaze* 

V* 

The  champion  was  dressed  complete  in  steel  — 
In  gilded  byrnie  to  protect  his  breast, 
And  silver  helmet  wonderfully  wrought* 
But  Hrothgar,  in  this  moment  of  his  need, 

73 


BEOWULF 


Gave  unto  him  a  sword  of  mystery  — 

A  sword  named  Hrunting,  oldest  of  heirlooms* 

No  man  that  ever  drew  it  met  defeat* 

Its  blade  was  rusted  now  with  battle-gore, 

And  Hunferth  was  the  last  to  use  it  so, 

Who  now,  though  bold,  durst  offer  not  himself* 

In  superhuman  perils  Hunferth  quailed* 

Not  so  brave  Beowulf,  who  bade  farewell 

To  King  and  comrades,  and  plunged  in  the  lake* 

VI* 

Far  down  he  swam  past  huge,  malicious  beasts 
That   struck  their  fangs  at  him   and   met   his 

sword* 

But  soon  the  Swamp-Hag  saw  the  hero  dive 
Into  her  waste  domain,  and  flew  at  him* 
She  struck  her  talons  in  his  body-sark  — 
His  ring-mail  saved  his  flesh  from  her  attack* 
But  down  she  drew  him  to  the  rocky  depths, 
All  compassed  he  with  water-fiends  the  while, 
And  in  her  subterranean  abode 
The  Sea- Wolf  thrust  him  for  her  next  repast* 

vn* 

The  brave  adventurer  perceived  himself 
In  an  abysmal  hall ;  no  water  there, 

74 


In  the  Nickers'  Mere 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


Nor  flood  to  touch  him,  and  a  shining  light 
Illuminated  all  the  rocky  cave* 
The  Swamp-Hag  came  upon  him  and  he  struck 
The  mystic  sword  against  her  brazen  throat; 
But  his  discomfiture  was  great  indeed 
When  it  rebounded  back  without  a  wound* 
The  boasted  sword  had  failed  his  hour  of  need, 
And  far  he  flung  it  from  his  hand  in  wrath* 
Now,  mindful  of  his  fame,  he  trembled  not, 
But  trusting  to  his  wondrous  grip  of  hand 
He  seized  the  Swamp-Hag  in  his  mighty  clasp 
And  sought  to  overcome  her  in  her  den* 

VIII* 

His  strength  had  been  enfeebled  in  the  lake 
By  battling  with  the  scaly  monsters  there, 
And  now  he  found  he  could  not  long  maintain 
His  prowess,  but  fell  back  upon  the  floor* 
The  Swamp-Hag  bit  his  body-sark  in  vain, 
Then  seized  his  banished  weapon  in  her  claw 
And  sought  to  thrust  it  through  his  silver  casque* 
But  now,  in  part  restored,  he  gained  his  feet, 
And  seeing  midst  a  heap  of  arms  a  blade 
That  seemed  to  flash  miraculous  with  light, 
He  gripped  its  heavy  hilt  with  stalwart  hands 
And  pierced  the  Swamp-Hag  to  her  very  heart 
She  fell  in  death,  and  Beowulf  prevailed ! 

75 


BEOWULF 


IX. 

The  hero  breathed  until  his  strength  came  back, 

Then  looked  about  the  rock-bound  cave  until 

He  found  dead  Grendel's  body  on  the  floor* 

He  seized  the  magic  sword,  the  flashing  sword, 

And  hewed  the  head  of  Grendel  from  the  trunk 

Until  the  demon's  blood  flowed  through  the  cave, 

And  reaching  water  rose  unto  the  top. 

This  made  the  King  and  all  his  guard  believe 

The  gory  stream  was  Beowulf's,  and  he 

The  Swamp-Hag's  victim  had  become  that  day. 

And  so,  with  many  tears  and  deep-drawn  sighs 

The  cavalcade  rode  back  to  Harot  Hall 

To  tell  how  Beowulf  at  last  had  died 

In  valiant  combat  with  their  country's  foe. 

X. 

The  blood  from  Grendel  was  so  steaming  hot 

It  melted  to  the  hilt  the  magic  blade ; 

So  finding  Hunferth's  sword  once  more,  the 

knight 

Secured  it  in  his  belt  and  swam  aloft, 
With  Grendel's  head  for  trophy  of  his  deeds. 

XL 

He  reached  the  shore  deserted  by  his  friends, 
Then  wound  a  call  on  his  reboant  horn 

76 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


That  brought  six  huntsmen  to  the  water's  edge, 
Who  much  rejoiced  to  find  him  there  alive* 
On  spear  and  shield  they  laid  the  ogre's  head, 
And  bore  it  as  a  present  to  the  King* 

XIL 

The  King  was  sad  at  dinner  with  his  thanes 
When  came  the  grim  procession  with  the  head* 
The  noble  men  and  women  stood  aghast 
To  see  the  monster  indescribable 
Borne  suddenly  into  the  Banquet  Hall* 
But  when  the  mourned-for  Beowulf  appeared 
Their  shout  of  joy  quick  made  the  rafters  ring* 
And  Hrothgar  bade  all  hail  the  Prince  restored ! 

xin* 

King  Hrothgar!    Thus    spake    Beowulf    the 

Prince ; 

Not  easily  did  I  come  off  with  life* 
But  for  God's  love,  most  surely  had  I  died* 
I  could  not  harm  the  beast  with  Hunferth's 

sword, 

But  from  the  wall  a  blade  of  wondrous  size 
And  flashing  light  I  seized  and  did  the  deed, 
And  killed  the  hateful  tenant  of  the  mere* 
The  hilt  of  that  great  sword  I  hand  you  now 
To  keep  among  the  trophies  of  thy  realm* 

77 


BEOWULF 


XIV. 

The  King  enfolded  him  upon  his  heart 
And  wept  as  though  restored  unto  a  son. 
Thy  recompense,  brave  Beowulf,  thy  wish, 
Though  in  the  softest  whisper  to  our  ear, 
Encompassing,  perchance,  the  crown  itself, 
We  will  fulfil  it  and  bethink  ourself 
Indebted  still  unto  thy  noble  deeds. 
Bespeak  thy  wish,  I  pray  thee,  Beowulf ! 

XV. 

Then  Beowulf  looked  round  upon  the  court 
And  stayed  his  eye  on  lovely  Freaware, 
The  maiden  blushed  and  hung  her  golden  head 
And  felt  her  heart  beat  double  fast  within. 

XVI. 

Oh,  King !  cried  Beowulf,  with  trembling  voice, 
Through  all  my  years  of  conscious  thought  and 

strength, 

In  school-room,  or  at  play,  or  in  the  chase 
When  flying  stag  enticed  us  far  from  home, 
Or  in  those  games  where  honor  was  the  prize, 
Or  fighting  for  my  country  in  the  wars, 
Or  battling  with  repulsive,  horrid  foes 
That  sap  the  nation's  strength  if  unrestrained ; 
In  each  and  every  pastime  of  my  life 

78 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


The  overwhelming  passion  of  my  soul 
Has  been  my  love  for  gentle  Freaware ! 
Her  smile  has  been  the  spur  to  every  deed; 
Her  love  will  be  the  crown  of  all  my  work. 
If  I  at  last  stand  worthy  of  this  prize, 
Bestow  thy  daughter's  hand  upon  her  knight ! 

XVIL 

With  flowing  tears  King  Hrothgar's  eyes  were 

filled. 

My  little  maid,  I  bid  thee  come !  he  said. 
Then  came  she  to  him  with  slow-measured  step 
Until  he  put  her  hand  in  Beowulf  s. 

xvni. 

My  daughter  and  my  son  —  all  hail !  he  cried. 
And  all  the  court  did  hail  the  loving  pair. 

XIX. 

The  maid  looked  bashfully  upon  her  knight, 
And  he  with  fond  emotion  gazed  on  her. 
His  eyes  were  bright  with  sacred  passion's  fire. 
He  folded  her  upon  his  breast  and  told 
His  love  in  words  that  burnt  into  her  heart. 
Once  more  the  court  acclaimed  them  with  a 

shout, 

And  Hrothgar  vowed  their  marriage  to  perform 
This  very  day.     And  all  again  cried,  Hail ! 

79 


BEOWULF 


XX. 

The  Princess,  with  her  mother  and  her  maids, 
Withdrew,  the  royal  nuptials  to  prepare ; 
While  Beowulf  betook  himself  away 
To  don  the  bright  apparel  of  a  groom* 
The  courtiers,  too,  put  on  their  best  attire, 
And  expectation  set  the  Hall  agape* 

XXI* 

The  King's  best  earl  with  sword  of  state  appears, 
Surrounded  by  the  gallants  of  the  court, 
And  usher  in  with  many  stately  bows 
The  King  and  Queen,  who  sit  upon  the  throne* 
Then  comes  a  noble  man  of  ancient  years, 
The  wisest  in  the  kingdom  and  the  best, 
Who  had  not  scorned  to  learn  from  Beowulf 
The  revelations  of  a  better  faith 
As  from  the  Spirit  of  the  Truth  it  came 
That  day  to  him,  deep  in  the  forest  path* 
This  thane,  Helferic,  deep  obeisance  made, 
And  stood  in  sable  robe  beside  the  throne* 

XXII* 

But  soon  the  heralds  shout,  the  trumpets  sound, 
The  haut-boys  play,  the  drum  gives  martial  roll, 
The  melody  of  music  fills  the  air ; 

80 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


The  people  press  upon  the  space  reserved ;  — 
And  now  at  last  the  royal  pair  are  come* 

xxni, 

A  gallant  man  is  Beowulf,  in  garb 
Of  shining  satin  and  resplendent  gold* 
But  she  beside  him  in  white  velvet  dressed, 
With  jewelled  hair  and  eyes  of  tender  blue, 
Is  fairer  than  all  women  of  the  earth* 

XXIV* 

The  venerable  thane,  Helferic,  now 
Advances,  and  the  two  clasp  hands  and  kneel, 
And  plight  their  troth,  and  vow  before  the  Lord 
To  cherish  one  another  until  death; 
To  love  no  other,  but  in  passion  true 
To  cleave  unto  this  marriage  to  the  end* 

XXV* 

Helferic  then  declared  them  man  and  wife, 
The  King  and  Queen  embraced  them  with 

much  love, 
The  courtiers  kissed  their  hands  and  wished 

them  joy. 

The  people  passed  the  shout  beyond  the  walls 
And  all  the  countryside  acclaimed  their  troth* 

6  81 


BEOWULF 


XXVI. 

What  need  their  nuptial  bliss  to  amplify  ? 
Love  unconfessed  is  grievance  on  the  soul,  — 
A  sad  sweet  sorrow  and  a  pensive  joy. 
But  when  the  yearning  heart  hath  told  its  tale, 
Love  gives  a  sweeter  atmosphere  to  life 
As  floating  perfume  to  the  Southern  sea. 
Earth  hides  her  beauty  from  unloving  eyes, 
But  Love  doth  limn  his  moods  on  nature's  face* 
They  strolled  beneath  the  ancient  linden  tree  — 
Five  hundred  years  of  rings  within  its  bole  — 
While  feathered  warblers  thrilled  the  vibrant 

world 
And  summer  tarried  to  enlarge  their  joy* 

XXVIL 

As  time  sped  on,  the  King  and  Queen  expired 
And  passed  beyond  the  sorrows  of  this  life. 
Their  calm  endurance  of  adversity, 
Their  patient  living  of  a  righteous  life, 
Their  deep  solicitude  for  others'  weal, 
Their  freedom  from  the  arrogance  of  rank, 
Their  love  of  justice  as  a  social  force, 
Their  character  for  all  that  virtue  makes, 
Had  won  the  nation's  most  profound  esteem. 
And  in  their  death  they  were  profoundly  wept. 

82 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


xxvni. 

But  when  the  time  of  mourning  had  gone  by, 
King  Beowulf  and  lovely  Freaware 
Were  crowned  in  regal  state  at  Harot  HalL 
Helferic  placed  the  crowns  upon  their  brows, 
And  told  them  that  the  people  did  consent 
To  delegate  into  their  hands  through  life 
All  power  and  dominion  under  God. 
Their  little  children  came  into  the  court,  — 
The  pledges  of  a  happy  married  love,  — 
In  wide-eyed  wonder  to  behold  the  scene* 
And  when  the  coronation  act  was  o'er, 
And  King  and  Queen  together  stood  alone, 
The  King  embraced  his  beauteous  Freaware 
And  told  her  she  grew  dearer  every  day, 
Developing  new  grace  of  womanhood, 
Of  motherhood  and  wifehood  all  the  time, 
Until  she  was  the  paragon  of  queens. 

XXIX. 

And  so  they  lived  and  ruled,  and  blessed  the 

earth 

By  living  close  to  nature's  heart  and  God's. 
King  Beowulf  assembled  to  his  court 
Good  men  approved  in  thought  and  deed  and 

life 

83 


BEOWULF 


From  every  section  of  his  broad  domain* 
When  they  had  gathered  in  his  council  hall 
He  called  them  a  free  Parliament,  sent  here 
To  make  wise  laws  and  guard  the  people's 

rights* 
He  told  them  what  he  thought  they  should 

enact 

And  swore  to  sign  the  bills  he  had  described ; 
And  if  they  knew  of  other  laws  desired 
To  help  the  people  and  improve  the  state, 
To  keep  the  public  peace  though  Heaven  fall, 
To  guard  their  heritage  of  liberty, 
Forbid  a  future  tyrant  to  oppress, 
Or  stay  a  cruel  subject  from  revenge,  — 
They  must  enact  them,  and  their  King  would 

sign* 

XXX* 

The  people  from  their  idols  turned  away, 
And  drew  from  Beowulf  a  truer  faith* 
He  taught  them  free  salvation  came  from  God, 
That  every  mortal  was  a  child  of  God ; 
That  life  eternal  and  the  way  to  it 
Belonged  to  all  and  never  to  a  few* 
Each  heart  must  breathe  its  prayer  to  God  direct, 
And  never  lean  for  succor  on  a  man* 
No  other  men  must  look  into  their  thoughts, 

84 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


Nor  rules  prescribe  to  lift  them  to  the  skies* 

Each  soul  should  be  its  own  interpreter 

And  yield  obedience  to  God  alone* 

His  wisest  men  he  sent  abroad  to  teach 

The  spirit  of  religion  undefiled ; 

But  charged  them  no  authority  to  claim 

O'er  mind  or  conscience*  and  to  speak  no  threat, 

Where  all  was  love  no  error  could  creep  in* 

No  bigot  ever  nursed  his  dogma  there 

To  save  himself  and  damn  his  fellow-men* 

Nor  creed  nor  doctrine  reached  the  public  ear 

Except  the  love  of  God  to  life  supreme* 

Each  man  to  God*  and  God  unto  each  man  — 

No  interloper  dared  to  come  between, 

Nor  King  nor  prophet  in  that  land  e'er  broke 

The  sacred  counsel  of  a  soul  with  God* 

This  was  the  spirit  of  the  truth  divine 

Which  Beowulf  had  gathered  in  the  wood* 

It  made  his  people  free  and  happy  men, 

And  gave  the  King  a  larger  love  from  them* 

XXXI* 

The  poor  who  feel  the  biting  tooth  of  want 
Were  given  room  to  win  their  part  in  life* 

XXXIL 

No  man  might  ask  for  service  in  the  state ; 
The  state*  because  of  merit*  sought  the  man* 

85 


BEOWULF 


There  is  no  trust  so  high  in  all  the  world 
As  human  government ;  and  Beowulf 
Looked  far  and  near  for  honest  men  and  true, 
Who  wise  in  council,  valiant  on  the  field, 
And  ripe  in  knowledge  of  the  world's  affairs, 
Were  fit  to  make  the  state  perdurable* 

XXXHL 

His  army  he  kept  trained  for  war's  demands, 
And  many  ships  at  anchor  in  the  bay ; 
But  only  to  enforce  the  peace,  he  said. 
For  war  in  conquest  or  vainglory  fought 
He  deemed  a  brutal  and  atrocious  thing 
And  bound  to  stir  in  men  the  lust  of  beasts. 
But  in  the  last  extremity  of  wrong 
There  is  no  more  exalted  end  than  war* 
He  said  the  mind  should  be  enriched  to  plead 
For  justice,  and  the  heart  made  soft  to  grant* 
A  nation  must  prevail  that  dares  to  stand 
And  ask  for  what  is  right  with  sword  insheathed, 
Most  patient  when  it  knows  itself  most  strong, 
Most  peaceful  when  for  war  't  is  best  prepared, 
Enduring  bluff  denials  and  rude  slights, 
Till  much  ingemination  of  its  plea 
Compels  the  stubborn  tyrant  to  amend 
His  harsh  oppression  of  the  weak  or  poor* 

86 


THE  SWAMP-HAG 


This  was  his  policy  toward  other  kings, 
Until  they  came  to  know  that  when  a  cause 
Did  gain  his  favor  they  would  quick  agree 
Lest  he  should  press  relentless  for  the  right* 

XXXIV. 

And  so  his  people  learned  from  Beowulf 
The  blessings  of  a  strong  and  righteous  reign, 


87 


BOOK  V. 

THE     FIRE-DRAGON 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


O  time  sped  on  until  great 

Beowulf 
In  joy  of  love  had  come  to 

fifty  years* 
All  dangers  in  the  state  he 

thought  were  past* 
But  so  unsure  are  life  and 

dignity 
That  turmoil  springs  where  peace  seemed  most 

secure  — 
Like  deep-toned  thunder  in  the  tranquil  sky. 

IL 

A  race  of  sea-kings,  long  ago  forgot, 
Had  found  a  harbor  on  the  English  coast, 
And  gathered  in  a  cave  a  common  store 
Of  precious  trophies  from  their  pirate  fleet. 
When  death  at  last  had  claimed  them  one  by 

one, 

Their  solitary  chieftain  mournful  stood 
Beholding  wealth  to  buy  a  kingdom's  crown, 

9* 


BEOWULF 


Yet  hapless  he  for  solace  of  true  friend* 
In  youth  he  'd  fled  from  home  in  search  of  gold, 
Resigning  all  that  truly  blessed  his  life, 
And  now  he  had  it  to  his  utmost  bent ! 
But  in  the  awful  plenitude  of  wealth 
There  was  nor  human  sympathy  nor  love. 
And  so  he  cursed,  and  laughed  a  hollow  laugh, 
Declared  himself  a  fool,  and  straightway  died. 

HI. 

The  Flying-Dragon,  pest  of  twilight,  came, 
And  for  a  score  of  winters  kept  the  hoard ;  — 
While  undisturbed,  without  disturbing,  dwelt* 

IV* 

At  last,  a  culprit,  to  avoid  the  lash, 
Escaped  and  fled  into  the  far-off  hills. 
Keen  hunger  led  him  deep  into  a  cave 
Where  he,  enravished,  gazed  upon  the  hoard 
Of  gold,  and  sparkling  jewels,  and  bright  arms. 
With  gloating  eyes  he  seized  a  golden  cup 
And  with  it  thought  his  master  to  appease. 
But  when  he  turned  to  go  his  blood  was  chilled, 
Beholding  the  Fire-Dragon  fast  asleep. 
Full  fifty  feet  in  length  the  monster  lay 
With  wings  and  legs  equipped  for  any  speed. 

92 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


Its  panting  nostrils  shot  a  breath  of  flame 
That  burnt  the  earth  and  lighted  up  the  cave* 
The  churl,  affrighted,  sped  him  from  the  lair, 
And  to  his  master  brought  the  wondrous  tale, 
And  proved  it  with  the  cup  of  shining  gold* 


The  Dragon  woke  and  scented  human  theft, 
And  roared  until  the  country  heard  his  wrath. 
Against  the  darkened  sky  in  green  and  fire 
The  monster  winged  his  swift,  revengeful  flight, 
And  burned  their  houses  with  his  flaming  breath, 
Till  far  and  near  destruction  marked  his  path, 
And  devastation  ravaged  every  home* 
The  hateful  pest  laid  towns  in  smoking  waste* 
All  night  he  wrought  in  ruin  through  the  land, 
And  at  the  dawn  his  mountain  hole  regained, 
Believing,  in  the  fastness  of  the  hills, 
No  foe  could  track  him  to  his  punishment* 

VI* 

One  fateful  night  the  palace  of  the  King, 
The  noble  Hall  of  Harot,  caught  the  fire* 
Imperishable  was  the  building  thought  — 
The  splendid  house  should  stand  a  thousand 


years ! 


93 


BEOWULF 


Yet  morning  came  and  found  it  quite  destroyed  — 
The  castle  and  its  walls  were  gone  in  smoke* 

VIL 

When  falls  calamity  on  happy  men 

*T  is  God's  sure  way  of  spurring  them  to  work* 

VIIL 

The  King  looked  on  and  saw  his  castle  fall, 
While  rage  and  sorrow  mingled  in  his  heart ; 
And  when  't  was  done  he  made  an  instant  oath 
To  go  and  fight  the  Fire-Drake  in  his  den. 

IX* 

No  champion  had  yet  vouchsafed  this  quest* 
And  while  the  people  feared  to  see  their  King 
In  jeopardy  once  more  from  mortal  strife* 
They  felt  that  he  alone  could  now  prevail 
Against  this  new  destroyer  of  their  peace ; 
And  with  a  tearful  hope  they  cried*  Godspeed ! 

X* 

He  bade  them  make  a  war-shield  of  wrought 

iron  — 
For  toughest  oak  the  Dragon's  breath  would 

burn  — 

And  when  they  brought  it  't  was  a  masterpiece* 

94 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


So  heavy  that  four  men  did  carry  it* 
But  Beowulf  his  left  arm  slipped  within 
And  raised  aloft  the  mighty  shield  with  ease, 
Until  the  people  shouted  their  delight* 

XI* 

They  told  him  he  should  lead  an  army  forth ; 
But  this  he  scorned*  and  vowed  to  go  alone* 
Except  twelve  men  to  follow  him  behind ; 
A  thirteenth  was  the  man  who  stole  the  cup* 
And  he  was  chosen  but  to  lead  the  way* 

xn* 

When  all  was  ready  and  the  King  full-armed* 

He  went  within  to  bid  his  wife  adieu* 

Her  eyes*  too  full  of  agony  for  tears* 

Dwelt  lovingly  upon  her  valiant  lord* 

Oh,  Beowulf,  —  she  whispered*   Thou,  my  love, 

Thou  joy  and  pride  and  comfort  of  my  life  — 

Must  you  now  leave  me  on  this  deadly  fight  ? 

XIIL 

It  is  the  will  of  God,  —  the  King  replied* 
He  hath  afflicted  but  to  rouse  me  up* 
My  Freaware,  thy  love  for  me  hath  been 
Unbroken  in  endearment  and  respect* 
Thy  tenderness  through  all  our  married  years 

95 


BEOWULF 


Comes  to  me  now  in  overwhelming  force, 
And  bids  me  ward  my  life  for  thy  dear  sake* 
My  deeds  are  thine.    Thou  art  my  soul's  delight* 
Through  all  my  life,  dear  Freaware,  my  aim 
Hath  been  to  ease  the  fardels  of  my  folk  — 
For  God  requires  that  men  for  others  live ; 
And  when  we  bide  in  dalliance  to  ourselves 
He  swift  remindeth  us  there 's  work  to  do* 
May  God  protect  me  in  this  enterprise 
And  bring  me  back  to  -further  life  with  thee* 
All  honor  born  of  duty  in  a  man 
Gains  lustre  from  the  love  of  a  good  wife* 
I  know  not  whence  I  come  nor  where  I  go, 
But  this  I  feel  to  be  eternal  truth : 
I  have  been  trusted  with  a  soul  divine 
And  am  resolved  its  destiny  to  fend 
Until  it  quits  me  and  returns  to  God* 
No  higher  fate  has  man  that  ever  lived 
Than  to  develop  his  immortal  soul 
With  full  compassion  for  his  fellow  men* 
His  life  hath  then  borne  fruit  for  half  the  world ; 
And  then,  when  it  is  done,  't  is  done,  and  he  — 
With  fond  caress  to  those  whom  he  loves  best, 
With  everlasting  soft  and  fond  good  night, 
With  fainting  strength  a'  groping  in  the  dark, 
Yet  with  a  soul  undaunted  in  its  hope  — 

96 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


Speaks  brave  farewells  and  speeds  among  the 

stars ! 

1 11  ne'er  forget  thee,  nor  forsake  thee,  dear, 
And  if  I  'm  not  to  live,  let 's  ask  the  Lord 
That  my  last  sigh  may  be  upon  thy  heart* 

XIV. 

Then  Beowulf  was  gone. 

XV.* 

The  King's  black  horse 
In  fretting  humor  champed  his  silver  bit, 
And  beat  his  hoof  upon  the  empty  air. 
The  King  was  soon  astride  the  noble  beast, 
And  bade  his  little  company  advance. 
Ten  thousand  people  stood  to  see  him  go 
And  shouted  forth  their  hope  for  victory. 
He  smiled  into  their  faces  and  rode  forth ;  — 
Twelve  knights  behind  him  and  a  guide  in  front ; 
All  sheathed  in  splendid  panoply  of  war ;  — 
And  soon  was  lost  upon  the  winding  road. 

XVI. 

The  King  called  to  him  Wiglaf,  a  young  earl, 
To  whom,  because  he  loved  him  and  esteemed 
The  youth  both  wise  and  brave,  he  since  had 

given 

7  97 


BEOWULF 


A  homestead  with  hereditary  rights, 

And  afterward  a  seat  at  council  board. 

With  Wiglaf  he  spoke  gravely  of  this  task, 

Of  its  most  difficult  and  fatal  risk, 

And  told  him  some  deep  wishes  of  his  heart 

In  case  the  Fire-Drake  should  at  last  prevail. 

The  earl  assured  the  King  in  truest  faith 

He  would  obey  his  last  commands ;  but  hoped 

For  Beowulf  long  life  and  happiness, 

And  new  reward  of  honor  from  this  fight. 

XVII. 

The  King  had  much  to  say  about  his  wife, 

And  of  his  children  spoke  with  trembling  lip. 

He  'd  always  tried  to  teach  them  lofty  scorn 

Of  arrogance,  and  pride,  and  every  sin 

That  sinks  the  mind  to  feel  itself  upheld 

By  brief  prosperity  above  its  kind. 

He  hoped  their  virtue  would  adorn  the  world 

For  only  so  the  world  could  be  adorned. 

If  they  would  bear  the  good  and  ill  of  life 

With  equal  courage  and  unflinching  hearts, 

No  care  would  gnaw  the  conscience  of  their  sire. 

He  felt  great  pity,  in  his  boundless  love, 

For  tender  childhood,   and  would  have  them 

know 

That  if  he  died,  his  love  could  never  die. 

98 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


XVIII* 

They  wound  their  way  far  up  into  the  hills, 
Where  stopped  the  guide  and  pointed  to  the  cave, 
And  told  the  King  the  Dragon  was  within* 

XIX. 

The  supernatural  encounter  now 
Blanched  white  the  faces  of  those  fearful  men, 
Except  the  King  and  Wiglaf*     All  the  rest 
Made  quick  excuse  to  draw  them  far  away 
Where  they  could  see  but  not  participate* 
The  King  dismounted  and  his  horse  they  took* 

XX* 

Now  when  the  Fire-Drake  came  not  forth  to 

fight, 

Brave  Beowulf  sent  Wiglaf  up  the  cliff 
To  seek  another  entrance  to  the  cave* 
Then  stood  the  King  alone,  and  on  his  horn 
He  wound  a  note,  in  bold,  defiant  wrath, 
That  echoed  through  the  hills  a  thousand  times* 

XXI* 

The  Fire-Drake  heard  it  as  he  slept  within, 
And  Beowulf  beheld  a  flame  come  forth, 
And  after  that  the  fiery  foe  himself. 

99 


BEOWULF 


The  King  raised  up  his  mighty  shield  to  check 
The  heat  which  burnt  a  path  straight  to  his  feet* 
The  Dragon  beat  his  head  against  the  shield 
In  rage,  while  Beowulf  did  thrust  his  sword 
Into  the  monster's  neck,  which  turned  the  point 
And  would  not  take  a  wound  from  sharpest  steeL 
Then  was  the  King  enveloped  in  the  flame 
Until  his  shield  and  armor  hot  were  grown* 
His  daring  soul  for  one  brief  moment  quailed  — 
He  knew  his  portion  now  was  certain  death* 
But  on  the  instant  he  resolved  to  die, 
And  die  a  hero,  fighting  to  the  last* 
Again  he  struck  the  Drake  a  mighty  blow, 
Again  his  sword  recoiled  without  a  wound* 
He  seemed  but  to  enrage  his  foe  the  more* 
Yet  once  again  a  last  foudroyant  stroke 
He  dealt  the  beast,  and  gained  a  moment's  pause* 

xxn* 

Now,  Wiglaf,  while  he  sought  the  Dragon's 

cave, 

Came  face  to  face  with  the  deserting  earls,  — 
Among  them  Hunferth,  still  avoiding  harm :  — 
Who  told  him  of  the  fight  that  then  progressed* 
He  fierce    rebuked    them  for  their   backward 

march* 

too 


The  Last  Foe 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


I  do  remember  when  in  Harot  Hall,  — 
He  said,  the  King  in  token  of  his  love 
Did  give  us  arms  and  horses  of  great  worth* 
And  every  earl  then  swore  that  if  there  came 
A  time  of  deadly  peril  like  to  this, 
He  'd  gladly  give  his  life  to  save  the  King. 
Confiding  in  that  oath  did  Beowulf 
Choose  us  from  all  his  court  for  escort  here, 
Reserving  to  his  single  hand  this  fight* 
Now  let  us  fly  to  help  him  in  his  need 
While  stands  he  there  encompassed  with  the  fire* 
How  can  we  e'er  go  home  without  the  King  ? 
A  quick  assault  may  yet  o'erwhelve  his  foe ! 
His  royal  bounty  now  we  can  requite* 
Not  one  dare  stir?      Oh,  false  and  coward 
knights ! 

xxm* 

No  man  would  follow  Wiglaf,  so  alone 

He  sped  the  hills  to  join  his  valiant  lord, 

And  from  the  cliff,  while  running,  cried  he  thus : 

XXIV* 

Oh,  Beowulf,  beloved,  bear  thee  well ! 
Remember,  thou  in  youth  were  wont  to  say 
That  come  what  would  thou'd  ne'er  let  honor  go* 


BEOWULF 


Firm-minded  Prince,  thou  hero  strong  in  deeds, 
Ward  well  thy  life*    I  come  unto  thy  side ! 

XXV. 

The  King  heard  Wiglaf's  shout  and  bade  him 

stay 

Beyond  the  reach  of  the  destroying  flame* 
But  now  the  earl  stood  close  beside  his  liege, 
And  when  the  Dragon  came  again  to  fight, 
The  linden  shield  of  Wiglaf  was  consumed, 
And  he  took  shelter  'neath   the    King's    iron 

shield. 

Now  Beowulf  raised  up  his  sword  and  struck 
A  giant's  blow  upon  the  monster's  head* 
The  sword  at  last  a  penetration  finds* 
The  Drake  draws  off    and    bears   the   blade 

along 

And  leaves  the  King  disarmed  upon  the  field* 
A  moment,  and  the  Dragon  comes  again, 
And  sets  his  teeth  upon  the  King's  mailed  chest* 
Then  Wiglaf  strikes  his   sword  much  lower 

down 

And  deals  the  Drake  a  fearful,  vital  wound* 
The  injured  King  a  knife  draws  from  his  belt 
And  'cross  the  middle  cuts  the  Drake  in  two, 
Who  roars  and  welters,  gasps  again,  and  dies* 

J02 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


XXVI. 

Brave  Beowulf  fell  in  a  heavy  swound* 
Then  quickly  Wiglaf  called  the  recreant  earls, 
And  one  of  them  took  horse  to  tell  the  court, 
While  all  the  rest  explored  the  Dragon's  den 
And  clutched    the  shining    gold  with  greedy 

hands, 

And  brought  it  out  to  view  it  in  the  light, 
Where  each  with  gloating  eye  did  guess  his 

wealth* 

XXVIL 

But  only  Wiglaf  held  the  brave  King's  head  — 
With  cooling  water  bathed  his  bloody  face, 
Until  three  hours  sped  away,  and  then 
The  Queen  and  all  the  court  came  there  in  haste* 
The  valiant  nobles  cursed  the  craven  lords, 
Compelled  them  to  put  down  their  ravished  gold, 
Declared  the  council  would  attaint  their  blood, 
And  drove  them  from  the  field  in  deep  contempt* 

xxvm* 

The  lovely  Freaware  from  WiglaPs  arms 
Received  the  precious  body  of  the  King, 
And  called  him  with  a  thousand  tender  words 
To  come  again  to  life  and  speak  to  her* 

*03 


BEOWULF 


Cease  not  to  beat,   dear   heart   of    mine,   she 

cried* 

Thou  art  the  sun  of  my  adoring  soul,  — 
All  earth  a  moon  that  sheds  no  light  but  thine* 
Put  not  the  fire  of  love  forever  out* 
Thou  wilt  not  leave  my  world  a  wilderness ! 
And  Beowulf  afar  did  hear  his  wife, 
E'en  while  he  seemed  to  speed  among  the  stars, 
And  by  a  mighty  effort  brought  his  soul 
Once  more  into  his  body*     Then  his  eyes, 
So  great  and  lustrous,  shed  their  love  on  her* 

XXIX* 

It  is  the  will  of  our  almighty  God  — 

He  said*     Most  gracious  hath  he  ever  been 

To  me  and  to  our  people,  Freaware* 

He  hath  in  mercy  granted  it  to  me 

To  save  the  kingdom  from  this  horrid  pest* 

When  men  have  strength  to  fight  a  nation's 

wrongs 
'T  is  sweet  to  die  in  killing  that  which  kills* 

XXX* 

Once  more  the  King  fell  back  in  deadly  swoon  — 
Once  more  he   heard   that   gentle  voice,   and 
spake » 

104 


Death  of  Beowulf 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


XXXI. 

If  I  am  ne'er  to  see  thy  face  again, 
Dear  Freaware,  my  spirit  will  return 
And  hang  upon  the  thin,  faint  veil  of  life 
So  close  that  thou  wilt  know  I  'm  by  thy  side* 
And  when  thy  tears  fall  hot  in  lonely  grief, 
I  '11  hear  each  tender  sob,  each  whispered  word, 
And  speak  thee  comfort  in  a  voice  so  soft 
That  it  will  seem  but  Heaven's  gentlest  sigh, 
Yet  thou  wilt  know  it  for  my  very  soul, 
And  it  will  fill  thy  heart  at  last  with  peace. 
Death  is  not  fearful  when  he  comes  like  this* 
He  only  opes  the  door  to  richer  life, 
But  not  to  sweeter  life  till  you  do  come ! 
Dear  wife,  good  night.    I  '11  watch  for  thee  and 
wait. 

xxxn. 

A  marble  whiteness  came  upon  his  brow. 
The  Queen  gazed  deep  into  his  fading  eyes 
And  cherished  him  until  his  soul  was  gone ; 
Then  laid  him  down.    Brave  Beowulf  was  dead. 

xxxm. 

They  pushed  the  Dragon  o'er  the  jutting  cliff, 
And  saw  the  sea  engulf  the  bloody  thing. 

JOS 


BEOWULF 


XXXIV. 

They  took  Ongentheow,  the  King's  first  born, 
And  girded  on  his  thigh  his  father's  sword, 
And,  with  a  grief  suppressed,  did  hail  him  King* 

XXXV. 

The  court  resolved  to  use  the  Dragon's  wealth 
To  build  a  monument  to  Beowulf, 
And  to  restore  his  ruined  Harot  HalL 
Then,  while  his  body  lay  in  Kingly  state, 
They  built  upon  the  cliff  a  mighty  tower, 
And  hung  his  arms  and  trophies  on  its  walls. 
And  every  night  on  top  they  burned  a  fire 
That  warned  the  sailors  off  the  deadly  rocks, 
Till  Beowulfs  fire-tower  blessed  the  world. 

XXXVI. 

Then  all  the  nobles,  mounted  on  their  steeds, 
And  dressed  in  shining  byrnies  and  war-sarks, 
Around  the  monument,  with  stately  pace, 
Pursued  their  way  and  told  his  valiant  deeds. 
They  said  he  was  the  mildest  mannered  man, 
Most  loving  in  his  home,  most  firm  in  state, 
The  purest  in  his  heart,  most  wise  in  speech, 
Most  fearless  in  the  time  of  greatest  risk, 
The  best  deserving  of  a  lasting  fame, 

J06 


THE  FIRE-DRAGON 


And  worthy  always  of  enduring  praise* 

He  spurred  the  thought  and  action  of  his  time, 

And  made  his  land  a  safer,  wiser  world* 

XXXVIL 

Then,  when  they  did  remember  how  their  King 
Had  floated  to  them  from  the  boundless  sea, 
When  he,  a  babe,  had  come  in  helpless  state, 
Unknown,  from  out  the  mist,  in  that  frail  boat, 
They  brought  the  boat  and  all  that  it  contained 
From  its  most  careful  custody  of  years, 
And  laid  the  King  once  more  within  the  bark* 
Then  all  the  people  gathered  on  the  shore 
And  saw  it  drift  far  off  into  the  sea* 


107 


WARWICK  NIGHTINGALE 


A   WARWICK 
NIGHTINGALE 


TN  Warwick  on  the  bridge  one  summer  night 
1    I  heard  the  Avon  river,  soft  and  low, 

From  Stratford  with  a  mystic  murmur  flow* 
Close  stood  the  feudal  castle  in  its  might, 
And  ancient  elms  outran  its  magic  height* 

Through  cloud  and  trees  the  moon's  fantastic 
glow 

Fell  sparkling  on  the  purling  stream  below, 
My  homeward  thoughts  beguiling  with  its  light* 
In  fancy's  vision  ghostly  shapes  sped  by 

Of  valiant  knights  pent  up  in  shining  mail. 
But  list,  oh,  list !    That  song  against  the  sky, 

Its  quick  notes  rising,  bade  all  nature  hail 
O !  bird  of  passion,  bird  of  love's  lorn  sigh, 

Thou  king  of  song,  thou  lordly  nightingale ! 


\\\ 


OLIVER   CROMWELL 


• 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 

His  Three  Hundredth  Birthday 
April  25,  J599-J899 


GREAT  Cromwell,  son  of  battle  thunder,  live ! 
Thy  privilege  fears  not  prerogative* 
With  clearer  view  the  Titan  strife  we  see 
When  England's  truth  fought  England's  chivalry. 
You  chose  a  hero's  life  of  storm  and  rage, 
That  nations  might  be  free  in  every  age ; 
Before  the  King  the  Roundhead  hosts  all  yield 
Until  you  flash  across  the  reeking  field* 
Like  stubble  to  your  sword  the  foe  goes  down; 
You  strike  at  error  perched  upon  the  crown, 
Till  right  divine,  affrighted,  flies  afar 
And  leaves  you  there,  a  mighty  conqueror. 
With  tender  feeling  and  compassion  true, 
You  give  the  race  its  jeopard  rights  anew ; 
Then  conscience  from  dogmatic  creed  stands  free, 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


And  England  grows  in  strength  o'er  land  and 

sea* 
Inspired  by  you,  she  speeds  her  steel-sheathed 

ark 

To  carry  light  into  remotest  dark; 
And  now,  before  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  expands 
Your  heritage  throughout  a  hundred  lands* 


U6 


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'   <*  O  C 

103 

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